TERM 2 WEEK 9 NEWSLETTER

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY

“His mother kept all these things in her heart.” (Lk 2:52)

Last Sunday was the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. When we think of the Immaculate Heart of Mary we recall the emotions of joy and sadness that Mary experienced in her own life. When you look at an image of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, you see a burning heart surrounded with a crown of thorns and pierced with a sword. The Immaculate Heart of Mary shows us that despite the sufferings of Jesus (crown of thorns), he loves all of us, died (the sword) in hope that we would join him in heaven. It is for this reason that despite the trials and sufferings of Jesus, Mary’s heart still burns with love and devotion.

As the mother of Jesus, Mary experienced all of the same feelings that our own mother has for us. The Bible tells us that “and his mother kept all these things in her heart” Lk 2:52. We can share in Mary’s emotions and constant love for Jesus by recalling the mysteries of the rosary and by praying to her.

CEO ADVICE - CLEARANCE ON THE NEED FOR MEDICAL CLEARANCE WHEN RETURNING TO SCHOOL

The Catholic Education Office Wollongong has provided the following information to us:-

• Students and staff are now ONLY required to present a medical clearance to return to school when the reason for their absence was illness with flu-like symptoms (as outlined by NSW Health).
• Symptoms include fever, cough, sore/scratchy throat, and shortness of breath, runny nose.  

We thank you for your continued understanding and support.

REPORTS
As we have had a most unusual and disrupted Semester 1, the decision has been taken by our Diocesan office that schools will issue an Interim Semester 1 Report. This is not a progress report. The report will look quite different to our normal Semester Progress Report. In this Interim Semester 1 Report, your child will be graded on engagement and effort in just Religious Education, English and Mathematics. The report will be issued on Friday 26 June via COMPASS at 3pm.

NAIDOC WEEK

This week we have commenced our recognition of NAIDOC Week. Some classes have linked with the Wingecarribee Shire Council to support their art activities for NAIDOC week. Our whole school will be participating in an art activity involving painting story sticks. A reminder that if your child does not have an art shirt at school at the moment, can they bring one in as soon as possible. An old business shirt or adult size t-shirt make great art shirts, as they cover most of the uniform. We will be using washable paint; however, it would be great if their uniforms remained clean.

Thank you to Mrs Mitchell who lead a whole school liturgy for NAIDOC Week, yesterday. We also thank our special guest, Mrs Sharynne Freeman, an Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer from the Catholic Education Office, who visited Year 5 today to help them with their weaving of a bowl activity.

FAMILY PHOTOS
If you haven’t already done so, can you please send in a family photo for our FAMILIES IN OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY wall. We have started to create a photo wall in our school foyer, recognising all our great families that make up our school community of St Michael’s Mittagong.

Thank you for your continued support of our school community.

May you have a wonderful week.

Best wishes and God Bless,
Mrs Katrina West
Principal